A tree that refuses to lose dead leaves eventually has no room for spring.

New growth needs room, and something has to go for the room to exist. Holding on to what is already finished, out of loyalty or habit or fear of the gap, means there is nowhere for the next thing to appear. The dropping is part of the growing, not a failure of it.

Name one thing you are keeping that is clearly done. Let it go before you know what replaces it. The gap is uncomfortable and it is also the precondition.